As Ethiopia continues its remarkable economic transformation, the role of industrial expos in driving growth and development has become increasingly evident. These specialized trade fairs have emerged as crucial platforms for showcasing the country’s burgeoning manufacturing prowess, fostering valuable connections, and accelerating the nation’s industrialization agenda.
The annual Ethiopian Industrial Expo, now in its third year, has proven to be a resounding success, attracting a diverse array of domestic and international enterprises. In 2024, the expo welcomed over 240 high-producing industries, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the breadth and depth of Ethiopia’s industrial capabilities.
“The expo provides an unparalleled opportunity for our local manufacturers to present their products to a wide audience, forge new partnerships, and gain invaluable insights from industry peers,” authorities remarked. “It is a testament to the rapid strides Ethiopia is making in becoming a manufacturing powerhouse on the African continent.”
One of the expo’s key strengths lies in its ability to shine a spotlight on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for over 80 of the participating companies. These smaller players, often the backbone of any thriving industrial ecosystem, benefit immensely from the exposure and networking opportunities afforded by the event.
Bethel Engineering Pvt. Ltd., a manufacturer of metal shutters and accessories, is a prime example of SMEs that has leveraged the expo to propel its growth. “The 2024 Expo was a game-changer for us. It allowed us to introduce our innovative products to a nationwide consumer base and establish valuable connections with suppliers and potential partners,” Eden Salomon, the company’s manager, said.
Bethel Engineering’s story is emblematic of the transformative impact industrial expos can have on Ethiopian enterprises. From humble beginnings with a 1.5 million Birr capital, the company has now grown its capital to a formidable 7.1 million Birr operation, creating permanent employment for 30 individuals.
Similarly, the Peanut Butter Producers Association has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a 10,000 birr start-up to a 20 million birr enterprise in just three years. Sisay Kolato, the association’s marketing manager, credits the expo for helping the company connect with new consumers and suppliers beyond its local market.
Beyond fostering business connections, industrial expos also serve as invaluable platforms for showcasing Ethiopia’s innovative prowess. Abbay and Friends Steel and Fiber Glass Manufacturing Enterprise, for instance, stunned visitors with its locally developed, cost-effective machinery capable of producing 25,000 cardboard boxes per day.
“These expos allow us to demonstrate our ability to engineering solutions that cater to the unique needs of the Ethiopian market. It’s a powerful way to highlight our homegrown innovation and encourage further investment in domestic manufacturing,” Abiy Girma, the enterprise’s manager said.
The transformative power of industrial expos extends beyond the business realm, as they also play a crucial role in shaping the national psyche. “These events help cultivate a stronger sense of pride and appreciation for locally produced goods,” Eden opined. “As more Ethiopians recognize the quality and value of our manufacturing capabilities, the culture of supporting domestic industries will continue to grow,” She added.
As Ethiopia’s industrial landscape evolves, the importance of industrial expos will only continue to rise. These specialized trade fairs have become indispensable tools in the country’s quest to become a manufacturing powerhouse, empowering enterprises of all sizes, fostering innovation, and instilling a deep-rooted appreciation for homegrown products and solutions.
More than 240 domestic and foreign high-producing industries participated in the 2024 Ethiopian Industrial Expo, which was held for the third time from May 9 to 13, 2024. This annual event showcases Ethiopia’s growing industrial capabilities and is an important platform for local manufacturers to connect with potential customers and partners. More than 80 of the participating enterprises were small and medium-sized manufacturing firms, reflecting the government’s efforts to support the development of the country’s industrial base.
The enterprises represented a diverse range of sectors, including textiles and clothing, leather and leather products, processed agricultural goods, chemicals, and construction materials. They presented a wide array of standard and high-quality products at the expo. One of the participating small and medium enterprises was Bethel Engineering Pvt. Ltd., a manufacturer and supplier of metal shutters and shutter accessories.
According to Eden Salomon, the company’s manager, Bethel Engineering was the country’s first manufacturer of metal shutters. The company has since expanded its product range to include shutter accessories, enabling shutter installers to purchase all the necessary materials from a single source. This eliminates the need for shutter workers to have their own manufacturing facilities, saving them time, cost, and labor.
Bethel Engineering started with a capital of 1.5 million Birr and has now grown to a capital of over 7.1 million Birr. The company has provided permanent employment opportunities for 30 people. Eden noted that the 2024 Ethiopian Industrial Expo was an important platform for the company, as it allowed its products to be introduced to a wider consumer base. Many visitors to the expo were impressed by the quality of Bethel Engineering’s products and expressed interest in purchasing them.
Another participant, Abbay and Friends Steel and Fiber Glass Manufacturing Enterprise, is an example of a company that has developed innovative, problem-solving machinery for the local market. The enterprise has created 10 permanent and 17 temporary jobs for a total of 27 citizens. One of the machines it presented at the expo was capable of producing up to 25,000 product packaging cardboard boxes per day. The company was able to manufacture this machine locally for 450,000 birr, a significant cost savings compared to the one million birr it would have cost to import a similar machine.
The Peanut Butter Producers Association, which operates in the agricultural processing sector, was another notable participant. The association started three years ago with a capital of 10,000 Birr and has since grown to a capital of 20 million Birr. It has created 190 permanent job opportunities and many temporary positions. The expo allowed the association to expand its reach beyond its local consumer base and establish new market connections, including with suppliers of raw materials and packaging products.
The 2024 Ethiopian Industrial Expo was officially opened by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), and it was attended by state heads, mayors, federal government officials, ambassadors, and other local and foreign producers and consumers. The expo provided a valuable platform for Ethiopia’s growing industrial sector to showcase its capabilities, forge new partnerships, and receive high-level support and attention from the government and the public.
State expos, also known as trade fairs or exhibitions, have played an important role in Ethiopia’s economic and social development in recent years. These events provide a platform for businesses, entrepreneurs, and government agencies to showcase their products, services, and initiatives to a wide audience.
According to a report by the Ethiopian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ETIPA), state expos have become increasingly important for Ethiopia as the country works to diversify its economy and promote industrialization. State expos provide an opportunity for Ethiopian manufacturers, artisans, and agricultural producers to promote their goods and services to both domestic and international buyers. This helps to boost the visibility and competitiveness of local industries.
The events attract potential investors, both foreign and domestic, who are interested in exploring business opportunities in Ethiopia. This can lead to increased foreign direct investment and the establishment of new enterprises within the country.
State expos allow Ethiopian businesses to connect with international buyers and explore export markets for their products. This supports the country’s efforts to increase its exports and reduce its trade deficit.
State expos feature exhibits and demonstrations of new technologies, innovations, and best practices in various sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. This helps to disseminate knowledge and encourage the adoption of modern techniques and solutions.
These events provide a platform for government agencies, policymakers, and the private sector to engage in dialogue, share information, and collaborate on initiatives that support economic development.
Overall, state expos have become an integral part of Ethiopia’s economic development strategy, helping to promote local industries, attract investment, facilitate trade under the “Made in Ethiopia” initiative, and foster innovation and collaboration between the public and private sectors, it was learned.
BY LAKACHEW ATINAFU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 19 MAY 2024
